Deadline: 30-Jan-2026
The European Union has launched a new funding initiative to strengthen EU-UK bilateral relations, foster mutual understanding, and promote the EU’s policy priorities both in the UK and globally.
The action aims to nurture trust and establish lasting partnerships between non-governmental actors, with a strong focus on collaboration among think tanks in the EU and the United Kingdom.
Through this program, grantees will engage in collaborative research, public engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity-building activities that advance evidence-based policymaking and enrich decision-making processes. The initiative also seeks to build sustainable cross-border networks and communities of practice that can address emerging global challenges and promote shared understanding of EU policies and positions.
This action builds on previous EU efforts in public diplomacy and policy support, ensuring the continuity and durability of intellectual partnerships between European and British think tanks. The project’s specific objectives include enhancing knowledge and perception of the EU and its policies among UK audiences, as well as reinforcing long-term engagement between EU and UK think tanks on topics of strategic importance.
The call for proposals prioritizes activities that establish structured dialogues, intellectual exchanges, and collaborative research involving both EU and UK think tanks. It also aims to strengthen regular engagement between EU policymakers and research institutions, improve understanding of EU mechanisms among British experts, and promote EU perspectives on shared global concerns. Furthermore, it supports think tanks with a global reach to contribute to international debates on complex and emerging issues.
The total indicative funding available for this call is EUR 2.4 million, divided into three lots of EUR 800,000 each. Grants awarded under this call must range between EUR 600,000 and EUR 800,000. The contracting authority reserves the right to adjust the allocation of funds among the lots depending on the quality and number of proposals received.
Eligible applicants must be legal entities such as non-governmental organizations, public sector operators, local authorities, or international organizations established either in an EU Member State or in the United Kingdom. Applicants must be public or private think tanks directly responsible for the preparation and management of the proposed actions. Each project must include at least two co-applicants — one based in the EU and another in the UK — to ensure balanced collaboration.
By encouraging joint research, policy dialogue, and advocacy, this initiative seeks to strengthen intellectual and institutional ties between the EU and the UK. It represents a strategic investment in long-term cooperation, fostering informed debate, mutual trust, and shared solutions to global challenges.
For more information, visit European Commission.